Illustration depicting key communication links to be employed during the second Dragon Spacecraft flight as part of SpaceXs NASA COTS program.

Preparing For The Mission

SpaceX engineers test the solar panels that will power the Dragon spacecraft in orbit.
Credit: SpaceX

Preparing For The Mission

The COTS UHF Communications Unit system, shown here prior to delivery to NASA, was delivered via the space shuttle to the ISS. The system was installed prior to the approach and berthing on the final COTS mission and will see regular use in support of SpaceX's continuing CRS cargo resupply missions.
Credit: SpaceX

The COTS UHF Communications Unit system, shown here prior to delivery to NASA, will be delivered via the Space Shuttle to the ISS. The system will be installed prior to the approach and berthing on the final COTS mission, and will also see regular use in support of our continuing CRS cargo resupply missions.

Preparing For The Mission

Astronauts visit SpaceX for Dragon training in September 2010. From left; Lee Archambault, Satoshi Furukawa (JAXA), Joe Acaba, Mike Fossum, and Dan Burbank receive Dragon communications unit training from SpaceX's Marco Villa. This is the unit that will be used aboard the station when Dragon visits.
Photo: Roger Gilbertson / SpaceX